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Third Person’s POV
Riley let out a coldugh, her voice steady and calm. “Alpha Ronan, that question shouldn’t be for me. You should be asking Scarlett. And in case you’ve forgotten, Tessa is alive because I saved her. No one had more reason to keep her alive than I did.”
Mia stepped forward to back her up. “Alpha, while you were out fetching the doctors, our youngdy was the only one desperately trying to save your sister. If you don’t believe her, you can ask Kael Vale and Counselor Maddox. They saw everything.”
Ronan turned his gaze to the two men. Their faces were stiff, their expressions unreadable, but far from confident.
“Hah.” Riley let out a scornful snort. “And you still think I was the one trying to kill Tessa? If I really wanted her dead, why would I risk everything to bring her back? The one who’s been hurting her all along is Scarlett. But the three of you were too blinded by her act to see it.”
Scarlett staggered backward in fear, her voice trembling, “It wasn’t me! It really wasn’t! Don’t listen to her lies!”
Riley narrowed her eyes and sneered. “Still trying to deny it? Fine. Why don’t we just ask Tessa herself?”
She didn’t spare another look at Scarlett. Instead, she walked steadily to Tessa’s bedside, leaned slightly, and whispered, “Tessa, it’s me, Riley. Do you remember me?”
Tessa had been in aa for five years<b>. </b>Riley feared she might’ve lost her memories–that was the only reason she asked.
Her gaze locked on Tessa, refusing to miss even the smallest shift in her expression.
And then it happened.
The moment Tessa’s eyes met Riley’s, tears burst forth like a broken dam. Big, hot tears spilled down her pale cheeks, one after another.
Her lips trembled. It was clear she had a thousand things to say–things that had been buried deep inside her. But when she opened her mouth, no words came out. Only muffled sobs and broken gasps filled the
silent room.
Riley froze.
This wasn’t the reaction of someone who didn’t recognize her.
But if Tessa remembered her, why was she crying?
“Tessa, don’t cry. Tell them the truth first,” Riley urged anxiously,
It wasn’t the tears she was afraid of–it was Ronan’s tendency to always assume the worst of her.
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Sure enough, before she could say more, Ronan’s furious voice exploded across the room. “Riley! You scared Tessa to tears, and you still dare to pretend you’re innocent?!”
He stormed forward, grabbed her slender wrist<b>, </b>and yanked her away from the bed.
“How much longer are you going to torment her?!”
Tessa’s eyes widened as she watched her brother manhandle Riley. Her tears flowed even more fiercely.
But Ronan didn’t notice.
Instead, he turned back to Tessa, his tone softening. “Don’t be afraid, Tessa. Just speak up. Your brother’s here now. I won’t let Riley hurt you.”
Riley stumbled from the force of his shove, barely catching herself before she fell.
Tessa panicked. Her hands wed at the nket, her lips trembling with desperation. She wanted to scream the truth–wanted to tell Ronan what Scarlett had done. She wanted to defend Riley, the only one who had stood by her.
But her throat felt sealed shut, like a chain was wrapped tight around it. She couldn’t force out a single word.
Her gaze bounced helplessly between Riley and Ronan, heart twisting in agony.
Riley had never hurt her. Yet she had taken the fall, spending five years behind bars while the real culprit roamed free–and nearly finished the job today.
And now, after everything, Ronan was still pointing fingers at the wrong person. was still pointing fingers at the wrong person.
Five years ago, Ronan had loved Riley deeply. But now? He treated her like a traitor.
Tessa wanted to shout. Wanted to break through whatever curse kept her silent. But her body wouldn’t obey.
The harder she tried, the more her tears streamed.
Her pitiful state only fueled Ronan’s rage. His chest heaved with fury, desperate to direct the firestorm building inside him.
And once again, he turned on Riley.
“What did you do to her?! Why can’t she speak?!”
Riley didn’t have the answer.
Tessa was awake—something she had prayed for day and night. This was supposed to be her redemption, her proof of innocence. But now Tessa was awake… and still silent.
“Tessa, say something!”
“Tell them! Tell them it wasn’t me who lured you into the ck Forest that night! Tell them it wasn’t me who attacked you today–it was Scarlett! Say it! Why won’t you say it?!”
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“Enough!” Ronan roared, eyes locked on Riley, burning with anguish. “You’ve scared her enough! How long are you going to keep pretending?!”
“Mmph… Ah… uhh…” Tessa sobbed harder, helpless and furious<b>. </b>
You idiot, she wanted to scream. Stop yelling at Riley. Stop hurting her. One day you’re going to regret this.
A thousand truths burned in her heart.
But when she opened her mouth-
Nothing came out.
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16:45 Thu, Aug 7 M G